Table of Contents
Abstract. 1
CHAPTER ONE. 3
INTRODUCTION.. 3
1.1 Background to the Study. 3
1.2 Statement of the Problem.. 7
1.3 Objectives of the Study. 8
1.4 Research Questions. 8
1.5 Significance of the Study. 8
1.6 Scope of the Study. 9
1.7 Operational Definition of Terms. 9
CHAPTER TWO.. 11
LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK. 11
2. 0 Introduction. 11
2.1.1 Concept of Cybercrime. 11
2.1.2 Types of Cyber Crimes. 12
2.1.3 Prevalence of Cybercrime in the society. 14
2.1.5 Explore the social dynamics shaping the cyber landscape in Nigeria. 15
2.1.6 Effectiveness of existing cyber-security initiatives in Nigeria to enhance resilience against cyber threats 17
2.2 Theoretical Framework. 18
CHAPTER THREE. 21
RESEARCH METHOD.. 21
3.1 Research Design. 21
3.2 Population of the Study. 21
3.3 Sample Size. 21
3.4 Sampling Techniques. 21
3.5 Instrument of Data Collection. 22
3.6 Procedures for Data Collection. 22
3.7 Technique of Data Analysis. 22
CHAPTER FOUR. 23
PRESENTATION AND RESULTS. 23
4.2 Data Analysis based on Research Questions. 25
4.3 Discussion of Findings. 30
CHAPTER FIVE. 33
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS. 33
5.1 Summary of the Study. 33
Summary of the Study. 33
Conclusion. 33
Recommendations. 34
Suggestions to Further Studies. 34
References. 35
QUESTIONNAIRE FOR PROJECT RESEARCH.. 39
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
In the age of digitalization, Nigeria, like many other nations, grapples with the dual challenge of cybercrime and cybersecurity. The intertwining of social media with cyber threats has been prevalence in his era of digitalisation. The advent of social media has introduced many activities. There has been a shift from physical activities to online activities. Human communication has been made streamlessly with the use of internet. In fact, the internet has brought the vast world into a small village term “global village”. According to Mohammed (2020), the evolution of the internet has brought information technology for business activities and global interaction through social relationship on the web. One of the most popular negative activities perform on the social media is cybercrime.
Cybercrime is regarded as fraudulent activities perform by people on the internet. There is no specific way to define cybercrime however, the concept is will understand because of the diversity of internet operation. According to Alsmadi (2019), there is no clear definition of cybercrime in the academimillieu. Some scholars have regarded it as “electronic crime”, “computer crime and computer-related crime”. The position above is due to the different classification of cybercrime. This is the reason Krausz & Walker (2019) argue that cybercrime is an offence committed when the computer is the main instrument of crime or when the computer is targeted for the crime. Even though such a classification is unsalable for this study. In this way, other device such as Smartphone electronic wretch watch can be use to commit cybercrime.
In clear terms, cybercrime is an intentional criminal activity initiated by an individual to cause possible loss of finance, reputation, document accessibility and health well being. Mohammed (2020) noted that cybercrime has led to significant damage of businesses, individual social life, personality and other related value affect properties. It cause employment disruption and reduced trust for a company’s online activities. It is estimated that the damages worldwide accrued to over 2.8 billion dollars every year. Cybercrime as defined during the 10th United Nations Congress on the prevention of crime and the treatment of offenders, it any illegal behaviour directed by means of electronic operations that target the security of computer systems and the data processed by them. Cybercrime in a broader sense covers any illegal activities committed by means of, or in relation to, a computer system or network, including such crimes as illegal possession and offering or distribution information by means of a computer system or network. According to Mohammed (2020), this has been different definitions that exist in academic domain about what cybercrime entail. However, the international journal of science and information security defines.
Cybercrime as harmful acts that is committed for or against a computer or a network. Referring to Bernik (2021), cybercrime is seen as illegal activities of people who use electronic devices to decisive their victim for financial and other related gains. It can be understood from the points provided above that cybercrime occurs or happens around a virtual space under which information concerning people, objects, events, or facts, fashioned in mathematical symbols and transferred through local and worldwide networks. Grispos (2019) related how the first definition of cybercrime emanated from Donn Parker, who has considered as the first national experts on computer security in the United States noted that Parker defined it as computer abuse saying it involves international acts in which victims suffer a loss while others make a profit. However, some understand holds that some persons might not intentionally to make profit in engaging in cybercrime. Notably, there exists a faction of cyber criminals known as “hacktivists”. These are people who protest organization’s policies and practices.
There is relationship between cybercrime and youth social media behaviour. In fact, the number of youth engaging in cybercrime is increasing and many are understudy to start in the near time through their social media accounts. This is because, cybercrime have especially the location where the crime is imitated. Aransiola & Asindemade (2019) noted that cybercrime is one of the dominant forms of crime on social media that is widely being perpetrated by young people. Ojedokun & Eraye (2019) reported there is a growing acceptance social behaviour on social media among youth in Nigeria because of cybercrime. Tade & Aliyu (2017) noted that many young people in Nigeria have embraced internet fraud known as cybercrime as a way of life. This means that their social behaviour of these children have changed from normal to abnormal. Aransiola & Asindimade (2021) contend that cybercrime perpetrators in Nigeria have distinctive lifestyle from other youths on social media and their strategies usually include collaboration with security agents and other associates. This makes it more serious and the trade with pride even in spotlight that the so called cybercriminal in Nigeria enjoy a status of big boys, they are socially recognized among friends and their flamboyant lifestyle entice others to desire to belong to the clique.
Furthermore, Tade & Aliyu (2019) stated that inadequate regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms contribute to the proliferation of cybercrime on social media. Weak cyber laws, coupled with limited law enforcement capabilities and corruption, embolden cybercriminals to operate with impunity. The lack of stringent penalties for cyber offenses further exacerbates the problem, as perpetrators often escape accountability on social media. Nigeria's rapidly expanding digital infrastructure presents both opportunities and challenges in the realm of cybersecurity. While increased internet penetration has facilitated greater connectivity and access to information, it has also widened the attack surface for cyber threats. The proliferation of mobile devices, coupled with the growing adoption of digital payment systems and online services, has created numerous entry points for cybercriminals to exploit.
Moreover, Aransiola & Asindimade (2021) stated that the prevalence of outdated software, inadequate cybersecurity measures, and a lack of cybersecurity awareness among the populace further exacerbate vulnerabilities social media. Many individuals and organizations fall victim to cyber attacks due to their reliance on insecure technologies and practices, making them easy targets for cybercriminals. Social factors also play a significant role in shaping the cyber landscape in Nigeria. The digital divide between urban and rural areas, as well as disparities in access to education and information, exacerbate vulnerabilities to cyber threats. Marginalized communities with limited digital literacy are particularly susceptible to cyber exploitation.
Furthermore, the proliferation of social media platforms has facilitated the spread of misinformation, cyberbullying, and online harassment. These social dynamics not only contribute to the prevalence of cybercrime but also underscore the importance of promoting digital literacy and responsible online behavior. Despite the challenges, Nigeria has made strides in bolstering its cybersecurity posture.
The role of peer influence in cybercrime on the social media cannot be over emphasized. According to Adejoh, Alabi, Adisa & Emezie (2019), no human being exists in isolation. At every in time, people associate themselves with a group of people for various reasons. In the case of cyber criminals, the influence on social behaviour is related to peer influence. The influence of this group on youth’s decision to indulge in activities that are both positive and negative to conventional expectations cannot be over-emphasized. Adejoh et al (2019) exposed in their study that peer group on social media is very influential and most of the people involved in cybercrime are young people who are desperate, because they had seen their friends made it through cybercrime by driving flash cars, living in well furnished apartment, wear the best of clothes, visit eateries and hotels and recognized socially among their peers, they want to feel that the belong to the luxury class among their peer.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The world is online and this also applies to criminals with the growth of the internet new crime emerged that have been labeled as cybercrime, Bregant & Bregant, (2019). Cybercrime and cyber security is the intention to gain access into someone privacy through pretense using electronic devices such as computer and Smartphone. Mohammed (2020) stated that computer crime has become a major global challenge and continue to be a major concern for international security with the arrival of fast internet and the advent of new technology, cyber criminals have the chance to infiltrate individuals and business via their computer systems.
The internet creates unlimited opportunities for commercial, social and other human activities. But with cybercrime the Internet introduces its own peculiar risks. What are the menace cybercrime and cybersecurity threats poses to Nigeria. News of cybercriminal activities continue to fill the pages of the newspaper, it is central to world news and has become a global problem. There is hardly a place where computers and internet facilities are found that cases of crime are not recorded. New modes of operation are developing as the Global System for Mobile-telecommunication (GSM) is now used for browsing. A lot of young people are common among the perpetrators of these criminal activities.
They spend hours browsing and sometimes stay awake all night to carry out their nefarious activities. The people involved are mostly found within the ages of fifteen to thirty years. According to Erhabor (2018), cybercrimes are described as one of the fastest growing criminal activities on the planet. He repeated the fact that it covers a large range of illegal activity including financial scams, computer hacking, downloading of pornographic images from the internet, virus attacks, stalking and creating websites that promote hatred. In recent time, young students in the tertiary engage in forgery of all kinds ranging from false admission paper to school fees receipts, certificates racketeering and examination malpractice that is, accessing useful information during examinations through the handset and other electronic devices. Ajao (2018) said Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa top cybercrime in Africa. Nigeria is not spared from the heartache caused by cybercrimes. The findings above are worrisome and it is in order to curb and proffer solution to the above that the study intends to look at the sociological and technological factors influencing cybercrime and cyber security in Nigeria.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The general objective of the study is to examine a socio technological analysis of cyber crime and cyber security in Nigeria while the specific objectives are
- Investigate the how social media is contributing to the prevalence of cybercrime and security in Nigeria.
- Explore the social dynamics shaping the cyber landscape in Nigeria,
- Assess the effectiveness of existing cyber-security initiatives in Nigeria to enhance resilience against cyber threats.
1.4 Research Questions
The following research questions were constructed to guide the study.
- What are the social media factors contributing to the prevalence of cybercrime and security in Nigeria?
- What are the social dynamics shaping the cyber landscape in Nigeria?
- What is the effectiveness of existing cyber-security initiatives in Nigeria to enhance resilience against cyber threats?
1.5 Significance of the Study
The academic significance of the proposed study lies in its comprehensive exploration of the socio-technological dimensions of cybercrime and cyber security in Nigeria. By addressing this complex and multifaceted issue, the study contributes to the academic literature in several ways: The study delves into the socio-economic, technological, and social factors that drive cybercrime in Nigeria. By identifying these underlying dynamics, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the root causes of cyber threats and develop more effective strategies for prevention and mitigation. By assessing the effectiveness of existing cybersecurity initiatives and identifying areas for improvement, the study provides valuable insights for policymakers, government agencies, and cybersecurity professionals.
The findings can inform the development of evidence-based policies and practices aimed at enhancing Nigeria's cybersecurity resilience. The study promotes collaboration between academia, government, industry, and civil society stakeholders in addressing cyber threats. By disseminating research findings through academic publications, conferences, and workshops, the study facilitates knowledge exchange and capacity building in the field of cyber security. By examining the social dynamics of cybercrime and cyber security, the study underscores the importance of promoting digital literacy and responsible online behavior. The findings can inform educational initiatives aimed at empowering individuals and communities to protect themselves against cyber threats.
1.6 Scope of the Study
The study is limited to three dimension of scope. The first is the contextual which cover the study of socio technological analysis of cybercrime and cyber security in Nigeria. The second is the geographical which cover Emene, Enugu East, Enugu State and the last is periodic scope which covers a period of five years (2019 to 2023)
1.7 Operational Definition of Terms
Crime: This is illegal activities engaged by people to cause harm on others in order to gain profit from the activities.
Cyber Crime: Cybercrime is regarded as fraudulent activities perform by people on the internet.
Youth: This is an age strata that cover people between 18 to 45 years of age. YOUTH is best understood as a period of transition from the dependence of childhood to adulthood’s independence. That is why, as a category, youth is more fluid than other fixed age-groups. Yet, age is the easiest way to define this group, particularly in relation to education and employment, because ‘youth’ is often referred to a person between the ages of leaving compulsory education, and finding their first job
Cyber security: Cyber security refers to the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, programs, and data from unauthorized access, cyber attacks, theft, damage, or other threats. It encompasses a broad range of measures and technologies designed to safeguard digital assets and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information in cyberspace.
Socio-media : social media also known as socio-technical systems or socio-technical perspective, is an interdisciplinary approach that examines the complex interactions between social and technological factors within a system or organization. It recognizes that both social and technological elements are intertwined and influence each other in shaping how individuals, groups, and societies interact with technology and vice versa.
